The Queen Retires From 25 Patronages, Passing Wimbledon, Rugby and Swimming Duties to the Young Royals

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The Queen has announced she will stand down from 25 patronages as she nears her 90th birthday in April.

The royal will hand over the reins to several U.K. organizations to her family members, including Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge.


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Currently the royal patron of more than 600 organizations, Her Majesty will drop responsibilities for 25 bodies including Save the Children, Barnado’s and the Royal Geographic Society at the end of the year.

Prince William will become patron of the Amateur Swimming Association and Prince Harry will take over the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League.

Meanwhile, Kate Middleton will represent the royal family at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon.

The news comes as the royals kicked off Christmas celebrations with a lunch at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.


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The annual event is attended by dozens of royal family members, but all eyes were on the younger clan as they arrived in a Range Rover.

Sporting spectacles, Prince William was in the driver’s seat, with Prince Harry riding shotgun and Middleton in the back with Prince George.

The trio were also in the festive mood on Monday night, as they attended a Christmas party hosted by youth support service The Mix.

See more on the London event in the video below.

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